MMA fighters are allowed one option in body protection, mma fight gloves. Career fighters understand the need to apply the proper ones to the correct situation. The fabric and materials that make them up are specifically designed to absorb impacts. This type of cover is utilized to provide protection during training or a MMA fight.
Hand wraps and the glove products help to protect your hands. Additionally, wraps and gloves also provide protection and support for the wrists and thumbs. Since the hand has many small bones and tendons that can sustain injuries, making sure they are a snug fit is imperative. A common impact injury for MMA fighters is a break on the knuckle that is known as Boxers Break.
There are four different types of these products. Each type of glove is created for a specific purpose or for a particular area of expertise. Choosing the proper type of glove is just as important as choosing the right size. Most in the MMA industry will suggest that a fighter buy and use only new products. Saving on equipment cost is nice, but not at the cost of injury due to an old or faulty item.
One type of glove is the bag glove. Just as they indicate, they are used for when a fighter is endurance and strength training using a punching bag. Although most fighters do not use these for light bag practice, they do utilize them often when practicing on heavier punching bags or other similar heavy equipment.
The training glove products are often referred to as practice or sparring ones. Although these are tougher than the bag type, they are not designed to be used inside of the octagon. They are also supplied with a bit more support than can be found in the fighting type. However, they are not considered to provide the same level of protection as them and should not be treated as such.
Fight glove items are designed to reduce the impact of strong punches that are thrown inside the octagon. In addition, hand wraps are also used under them to provide additional impact reduction, as well as to reduce the friction of them against the skin on the hand. The combination of hand wraps and the fight type serve to allow the fighter to apply maximum impact with minimum damage to their own hands.
The last option in glove products are hybrids. Just as their name implies, they fall somewhere in between the other glove types. Also they can be used with a bit more versatility than other types. There are not many exercise and training activities outside of the octagon that hybrids cannot stand up to.
The only protection an MMA fighter wears is their gloves. For this reason, you should be sure they are properly fitted and made of tough materials. Always remember to wear your hand wraps when trying on MMA gloves to ensure the proper fit.